Damiano Cunego to retire after the 2018 Giro d'Italia

Former Giro d'Italia champion Damiano Cunego aims to end his career at the 2018 edition of the Italian race

The 36-year-old confirmed his decision after speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"As the time passes, I notice that the level in cycling is getting higher. I feel that it's getting harder for me to be competitive. It's time to retire and I would like to do so in the Giro, where it all kind of started," he said.

The Italian had his big break through with Saeco in 2004 when he won the Maglia Rosa, much to the dismay of team leader Gilberto Simoni. Cunego was just 22 years old.

Cunego later secured four top-ten places overall in Grand Tours, but never managed to finish at the top of the podium again.

He spent most of his career at Lampre and joined Nippo-Vini Fantini in 2015, which secured a wild card entry at the 2018 Giro d'Italia.

'Il Piccolo Principe''s wish to retire at the Giro will come true next May, a fitting end to a illustrious career, he will be sorely missed and will no doubt move onto new challenges.